What happens if a pregnant woman is assaulted?

A misdemeanor is punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000 or both a fine and incarceration. Causing substantial bodily harm to a baby in utero is charged as assault of an unborn child in the second degree. Remember, substantial bodily harm is any injury that leaves semi-permanent damage.

What happens if a woman is undernourished during her pregnancy?

In undernourished women, a greater number of cells are likely to form the placenta compared to the foetus, meaning that the foetus begins its life smaller than it should do. This can lead to restricted foetal growth and increases the risk of the baby being born at a low-birth weight (<2.5kg).

How does smoking and drinking during pregnancy affect the baby?

Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of health problems for developing babies, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects of the mouth and lip. Smoking during and after pregnancy also increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Whats causes a miscarriage?

Most miscarriages occur because the fetus isn’t developing as expected. About 50 percent of miscarriages are associated with extra or missing chromosomes. Most often, chromosome problems result from errors that occur by chance as the embryo divides and grows — not problems inherited from the parents.

What are some consequences of undernourished pregnant mothers?

During pregnancy, poor diets lacking in key nutrients – like iodine, iron, folate, calcium and zinc – can cause anaemia, pre-eclampsia, haemorrhage and death in mothers. They can also lead to stillbirth, low birthweight, wasting and developmental delays for children.

What is maternal malnutrition?

Maternal undernutrition or chronic energy deficit is defined as having a body mass index of <18.5. Women who are undernourished at the time of conception are unlikely to improve their nutritional status during pregnancy, when they have additional demands due to the growing fetus.

How does smoking cause problems during pregnancy?

Smoking during pregnancy raises the risk of your baby being born with birth defects. The most common types of problems are congenital heart defects and problems with the structure of the heart. Other health issues that have been linked to smoking while pregnant include cleft lip and cleft palate.

What happens to a baby when the mother smokes?

Both babies whose mothers smoke while pregnant and babies who are exposed to secondhand smoke after birth are more likely to die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) than babies who are not exposed to cigarette smoke. Babies whose mothers smoke are about three times more likely to die from SIDS.